What type of graft is used for repairing the tympanic membrane after a blowout?

The temporalis fascia is the most commonly used graft for tympanic membrane repair, especially in cases of eardrum perforation following trauma, such as a blowout injury. This tissue is taken from the fascia over the temporalis muscle and is favored for several reasons.

Firstly, the temporalis fascia is well-vascularized, which promotes healing and integration with the surrounding tissues of the tympanic membrane. Its pliability allows for a good match to the membrane's physiological characteristics, ensuring a successful repair. Furthermore, using the patient's own tissue for the graft minimizes the risk of rejection and promotes a better healing response.

In contrast, while fascia lata and dermal grafts can also be used for various types of repairs, particularly in specific skin grafting procedures, they are less commonly employed specifically for tympanic membrane repair due to issues with compatibility or healing characteristics. Cartilage grafts are typically reserved for more complex reconstructive surgeries in the ear where structural support is needed, rather than for simple perforations of the tympanic membrane. Thus, for the indicated scenario of repairing the tympanic membrane after a blowout, the use of temporalis fascia is the optimal choice.